At 01:07 PM 9/25/00 -0500, NEWTOT_at_mail.modot.state.mo.us wrote: SNIP >I've been using a camelback on my deck, running the straps under the front deck >bungies. It still slides around a bit during rolls and heats up on warm days, >but I have yet to find a more "quick and convenient" way to hydrate on long >trips where a water bottle won't suffice. Loop the tube around a bungie so it >sticks up towards you, and you have "hands free" hydration. > SNIP Regarding the use of a Camelback: For typical 3 to 6 hour paddles with rest stops, I have relied on the typical water bottles above and below deck. Twice, however, I have participated in the swim race around Manhattan Island (NYC) which winds up having me in the boat for 11 hours without a break. Prior to doing the first race, I considered the logistics of staying hydrated and I decided to try a camelback like device. I purchased a cheap copy in K-Mart and mounted it under the bungies just behind my cockpit. I clip the mouth tube to a bungee prior to getting in the boat. Once in the boat, I route the mouth tube under my arm and clip it to my PDF about 2 or so inches below my chin. The mouth tube clip allows the tube to slide through it so I can slid the mouth tube to my mouth without unclipping it. When I'm done drinking, I just let go and the tube returns to its place. I have not had a problem with the mouth tube getting in the way, but it is important to unclip it if you intend to exit the boat gracefully. If you need to exit ungracefully (ala wet exit), the strength of the clip will allow it to let go and not hold you. The advantages are that you can convieniently carry a lot more water than the typical water bottles and you don't need to fish around below deck to find a full one when the above deck one is empty. Also, drinking becomes a one hand operation. (Actually, this could be a no-hand operation if you like to paddle with the mouth tube in your mouth.) The disadvantages are that, mine at least, has a very plastic-ee taste. Also, since I don't trust my abitity to be able to clean the unit effectively, I only use water. These disadvantages, though, may be a consequence of my buying a cheap unit and not a real Camelback. YMMV, Bill Leonhardt *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Sep 26 2000 - 09:10:48 PDT
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